The True Cost of Third-Party Delivery Apps (And How to Get Off Them)
If your restaurant is on DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub, you already know they take a significant cut of every order. What most restaurant owners don't realize is just how much that adds up — and how straightforward it is to take back those profits.
What third-party delivery apps actually charge
The advertised rate isn't the real rate. Most third-party platforms charge multiple fees stacked on top of each other:
- Platform commission: 15–30% per order
- Payment processing: 2.5–3% per transaction
- Marketing fees: Additional percentage if you want visibility
- Pickup fee: Some platforms charge even for customer pickup
The real effective rate for most independent restaurants is 25–35% per order.
The math: what 25% commission costs a typical restaurant
Let's use a real example. A restaurant doing $15,000/month in third-party delivery orders at 25% commission is paying $3,750/month in fees. That's $45,000 per year — gone.
At the same volume with commission-free direct ordering, that $45,000 stays in your pocket. A $2.50/order convenience fee (paid by the customer) covers processing costs. You keep the rest.
What commission-free ordering means for your business
Commission-free ordering isn't just about saving money. It changes the relationship with your customers:
- Every customer who orders direct is in your database
- You can market to them — email, SMS, loyalty campaigns
- You control the branding and experience
- You own the relationship, not the platform
How EZ ONE Hub's direct ordering works
EZ ONE Hub builds you a branded ordering page — hosted on your domain, designed to match your restaurant. Customers visit your page, browse your menu, and order direct.
Orders come in via tablet or printer in your kitchen. No middleware, no commission, no platform lock-in.
Getting your customers to order direct
The transition takes time, but it's easier than most restaurant owners expect. Effective tactics include:
- QR codes on tables and receipts linking to your direct ordering page
- Packaging inserts: "Save money and support us directly — order at [yoursite.com]"
- A loyalty offer for customers who switch to direct ordering
- Social media posts explaining why direct ordering matters
Real results: what to expect in the first 30 days
Most restaurants see 10–25% of their third-party volume shift to direct ordering within the first 30 days of actively promoting it. Each percentage point shifted is money back in your pocket.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to leave the third-party apps entirely?
No. Many restaurants run both: third-party apps for new customer discovery, and direct ordering for returning customers. The goal is to shift regulars to direct over time.
What does setup cost?
EZ ONE Hub's direct ordering is included free with the EZ Presence plan — no monthly fee. A $2.50 convenience fee is charged to the customer, not to you.
How do refunds work?
You manage refunds through your manager dashboard. Refunds are processed to the customer's card within 3–5 business days.
Let our team run your marketing.
EZ ONE Hub handles campaigns, reviews, ordering, and more — so you can focus on your restaurant.